Media Advisory - Cranberries float to new home in Richmond

RICHMOND , BC, Feb. 7 /CNW/ - The City of Richmond is showing its Canadian pride using its largest crop - cranberries. Thirteen million cranberries will create a 3,200 square metre floating tribute to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The cranberries will form the Canadian Olympic Committee logo, which includes the Olympic rings, in honour of the Paint The Town Red campaign.

Due to extraordinary river conditions, the installation will no longer be placed in the Fraser River as originally planned. Instead, the 13 million cranberries will float in the colossal cranberry logo at Richmond's Brighouse Park. The park is at the corner of No. 3 Road and Granville Avenue, immediately adjacent to the Richmond O Zone, the City's official celebration site for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The installation in Brighouse Park will complement the cranberry harvest display just across the street at Richmond's City Hall. The water feature at City Hall has been filled with cranberries and visitors will be able to meet with local cranberry growers, as they demonstrate how cranberries are harvested.

The media is invited to attend a news conference to unveil this display. Speakers will include Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie , Canadian Olympic Committee President Michael Chambers and Canadian Olympic Speed Skater Brittany Schussler . They will be joined by Richmond growers - who grew the cranberries for this special display.

    
    When:  Monday, February 8, 2010

    Where: Richmond City Hall, Council Chambers, 6911 No. 3 Road

    Time:  11:00 - 11:15 a.m.       Speakers' remarks

           11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Tour through City Hall simulated
                                    cranberry harvest and proceed to
                                    Brighouse Park for unveiling of colossal
                                    logo.
    

Media will have access to overhead photo and filming opportunities.

A wide range of cranberry infused appetizers will be served.

Parking Note: Due to Richmond O Zone preparations, there is no public parking on City Hall grounds. Media parking is available at 8111 Granville Avenue (between No. 3 Road and Buswell Street) or along the south side of City Hall on Granville Avenue. Both are accessed from the westbound lanes of Granville. Special arrangements for television vehicles can be made by calling 604-516-9585. City Hall is also a few minutes walk south from the Canada Line, Richmond Brighouse Station.

For further information: Media Contact: Ted Townsend, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Tel: [phone], Cell: [phone], Email: [email protected]